Break the Ice Podcast: Recent Episodes
Break the Ice
Interviewing individuals in the Eielson community that have achieved interesting and noteworthy accomplishments "Break the Ice” Podcast is where we share the highlights of our outstanding Airmen speak with helping agencies, leaders, and the key movers and shakers on base. It’s also where you can get information on the fun events happening on Eielson! We want to connect you with this amazing community.
In this episode, April interviews MSgt Calin Cronin, Eielson's Airman Leadership School Commandant and a true impact leader across the installation. During their conversation, April and Calin share perspectives on what it means to be a great leader, the importance of courage, and how challenges can lead to some of life's greatest rewards. Calin also dives deep into starting the Brave Badge Initiative and how putting a spotlight on suicide within the Air Force can help destigmatize mental health struggles and potentially save lives.
April interviews Ms. Janneane Moody, Eielson's Community Support Coordinator and Resilience Operations Director. In this conversation, Janneane and April discuss her role in Team Eielson, resilience initiatives, and her passion for building community and connection!
April shares the mic with Marcus Williams, President of Eielson's Icemen 5/6, and one of our outstanding Airmen leading here at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska! Marcus discusses what he learned as the 5/6 President and how valuable his experience has been. We hope this episode encourages you to check out your Icemen 5/6 and inspires you to get involved!
In this episode, April shares her journey of becoming an IRONMAN triathlete! She is joined by her mom, Glory, and her sister, Amie. April discusses what it was like training for an iron-distance triathlon, her successes and failures along the way, and what she hopes people will gain from this experience. Glory and Amie also share what they have learned from supporting April's transformation and being at her finish line.
In this special episode of the Break the Ice podcast, three of Eielson's incredible First Sergeants share their collective expertise and experience on what it's like to wear the diamond and the great responsibility that comes with it. The conversation delivered some genuine pearls of wisdom, including the importance of positive influence, learning from and overcoming setbacks, and sharing gratitude.
Welcome back! This week's episode explores Andrae Alexander's experience as an acting First Sergeant at Eielson before he puts on the diamond!
Soon to be First Sergeant for the 31st FW 724th air mobility squadron Aviano, Italy, and former full-time additional duty first sergeant for 354 Fw WSA, Andrae has been in the Air Force for 15 years. His primary AFSC is electrical systems (CE), and he has a background as a former ALS instructor and protocol specialist. Andrae is a loving husband and father to two young boys.
In this episode, we talk about enjoying the present moment, the importance of a good morning routine, the power of stoicism, and many other essential lessons Andrae learned on his First Sergeant journey.
This episode features Ms. Diana Keener, Eielson's Privatized Housing Resident Advocate. Diana shares with me how her role directly impacts and betters the quality of life of our Airmen and their families living on base. We also discuss her extensive history of working and serving Air Force families, particularly in her home state of Alaska!
April talks with Ms. Dana Baugh, Eielson's Health Promotions program coordinator. Dana shares her thirty-five years of experience in the Health and Wellness field and talks to April about the importance of sleep, gut health, and mental fortitude. April also shares how she first met Dana and the impact she made on her early military career and how that has carried over through the years. Dana's expertise and passion for helping others are exceptional and we are so grateful to have her as a member of Team Eielson!
In this week's episode, Philip Barry Sits down with Air Force Gaming Ambassadors Tyler Richardson and Daniel Pankratz to talk about Air Force Gaming and the cool look ahead for the Night Watch Gaming.
Enjoy the show...
In this episode, Lance speaks with Parker Dubois, the current NCOIC of the Eielson First Term Airman Center (FTAC). Parker shares the importance of creating a positive FTAC experience and the unique opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on our Airmen as they are first starting their Air Force journey. Parker also shares their struggles and triumphs as a non-binary leader currently serving in the military. This conversation is crucial and helps us understand how difficult it can be as a non-binary person living in a very binary world. We hope this conversation encourages you to grow and learn more about our amazing LGBTQ+ community and inspires you to spread more kindness in our world. Enjoy!
Did you know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month? In this episode, I spoke with Ms. Laurie Weyanna from the Eielson SAPR office to dispel some common misconceptions about the SAPR program and talk about some lessons learned and inspiring people she has met as the Eielson SAPR Victim Advocate. Our hope is that this information encourages you to reach out to the SAPR office if you should ever need their assistance.
Nick Cavanaugh and Philip Barry give a quick run down of some Innovative initiatives that have garnered a lot of traction. Join us for this great PSA!
Lance interviews Heather and Gerod, the two recent Levitow and Commandant award winners from the Eielson Air Force Base Airmen Leadership School. They discuss the importance of and strength in diversity. Heather and Gerod also share the lessons they are learning transitioning from Airmen into Noncommissioned Officers. This is a great conversation that delves into a wide variety of leadership topics including servant leadership, growth, and personal development.
It was a treat to speak with Maj Ben Lowry, a board-certified Physical Therapist working with the Operational Support Team (OST) at Eielson AFB, Alaska! Ben shared some great personal stories and highlighted vital resources available across our community. Take a listen, and we hope you gain some new insight into the outstanding work he and the OST are doing around Eielson!
Welcome to our first episode! The Break the Ice podcast discusses the 4-1-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. We get to know the key movers and shakers on base and share helpful information to connect our community to its incredible resources. Enjoy!